MASS COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
RADIO - TV/VIDEO
GRAPHIC DESIGN
MUSIC
SPEECH
THEATRE
Employment opportunities
This program will prepare you for employment in small and medium radio and TV stations. Small and suburban markets continue to offer beginners better opportunities than larger metropolitan areas. Talented writers and broadcast journalists who can handle highly specialized scientific or technical subjects have an advantage. Freelancers are being hired by more small- and medium-market newspapers and radio and TV stations.
Job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of announcers is expected to decline through 2010 due to lack of growth of new radio and television stations. Competition for openings will be keen, but internships and work experience at school radio and television stations will help job seekers gain entry into the profession.
Earning potential
Salaries in broadcasting vary widely. They are higher in television than in radio, higher in larger markets than in small ones, and higher in commercial than in public broadcasting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median hourly earnings of broadcast announcers nationwide were $9.91 in 2002.
Career advancement
Announcers often start at a station in a small community and move to a station in a larger city. Announcers can also advance by hosting a regular program as a disc jockey o r sportscaster. Large city stations may also prefer candidates with a degree in a subject-matter specialty such as economics, political science, or business. They may require as a minimum some background in closely related fields such as advertising and public relations. At the national level, competition is particularly intense, with employers looking for college graduates with several years of progressively successful broadcasting experience.
Career choices with your degree:
• Tape editor • Program director • Commercial producer • Equipment maintenance technician • Equipment/camera operator • Advertising salesperson • On-air interviewer • Radio announcer • Sports announcer • Television announcer
With experience and/or further education you may go on to:
• Broadcast journalist • News announcer • Program director • Sportscaster • Station manager • Talk-show host
Parkland College • 2400 West Bradley Avenue • Champaign, IL 61821 • 217/351-2200 • 800/346-8089
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